We were all surprisingly content with dual channel memory performance when Intel announced triple channel memory support in Gulftown processors. Then just as we got use to the high-speed triple channel performance being the most efficient method for delivering epic amounts of memory bandwidth for big projects, Intel again changed the way content creators get their work done by giving us quad channel memory support inside Sandy Bridge-E processors. But what exactly is the benefit of all those channels? Let's see if the Patriot Memory Division IV Viper Extreme Memory Kit has those answers!

Features and Specifications

Currently, there are four Division IV quad channel memory kits to choose from ranging from 1600 to 1866MHz. Remember, Intel Sandy Bridge-E processors support 1600MHz DDR natively so there's no need for slower 1333MHz memory. (It's about time!)

From the table, you can see the differences from kit to kit. While the entry level kits offer 4 x 2GB sticks, the largest kits are 4 x 4GB. There are larger 8GB modules on the way for those that want to max their 4 and 8 DIMM slot motherboards. Just remember, 8GB is plenty for standard users and gamers. Larger kits will pad your system nicely if you use multiple large programs at once.

The pricing for the 1600MHz kit as tested is around $110 - 120 US on the street which places this just a little above what you would pay for two 2x4GB dual channel kits to reach the same clock speed and memory density. But due to the slightly tighter timing and testing that goes into validating quad channel reliability at these speeds, the premium is necessary. There's just not as much room for error when running four channels. Especially when overclocking them.

Understanding Dual, Triple and Quad Channel

Let's cut to the chase for the many regular folks who want to know the differences between channels. Some of AMD's and Intel's processors can access two memory sticks at once - thus dual channel. Intel's processors compatible with X58 motherboards can access three memory sticks at once - thus triple channel. And, Intel's latest Sandy Bridge-E processor can access four memory sticks at once giving us quad channel performance. Each step in the channel interface is another jump in memory bandwidth which can be a big gain in system performance for some applications. You'll see this in action in the benchmarks later.

Each corresponding channel interface allows the processor to access and utilize larger amounts of data through the memory. Big data intensive programs load faster while others used in things like rendering, are quicker the more channels used. The only benefit gamers typically see are slightly quicker load times. If you really want quicker program performance all around, order an SSD instead because that's the true bottleneck. But if you already have an SSD, then memory bandwidth is a place you can improve on.

Test System and Configuration

Three different systems were used to compare dual, triple and quad channel memory performance. We have a Z68, X58 and X79 configured using the same speed memory.

Operating system is of course Windows 7 Professional 64-bit fully patched. Each board is using the latest BIOS update as well as Intel INF chipset drivers. A single ZOTAC Geforce GTX 580 video card was used in each system yet has no influence on the benchmarks. Now let's look at one of the few things that sets memory kits apart: Overclocking!

About The Author

As our Senior PC Hardware Editor, Eric has been working with tech since before serving in the military where he really got to play with some very cool hardware. As for his prowess on the virtual battlefield, don't let the teddy bear exterior fool you. He can frag and pwn with the best in just about any first person shooter. You may run in to him at LANs, tech shows, and gaming shows, so do say hello.